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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 3, 2002 · Kaminski RAF 2000 · N73GK

Newberg, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 3, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Newberg, OR
Aircraft
Kaminski RAF 2000
Tail Number
N73GK
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA02LA142

The pilot of the RAF 2000 gyroplane was executing a landing to runway 25 at a small airport with strong gusty winds out of the north. As the gyroplane was slowing, and about six feet above ground, a gust of wind rapidly rolled the aircraft left about its longitudinal axis and the rotor disk struck the runway surface. The aircraft then impacted terrain and came to rest damaging the rotor assembly and pylon. The pilot reported that he should have been lower (4 feet above ground vice 6 feet) and should have given himself a longer final in order to have more time to set up for the crosswind conditions.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation (excessive altitude) for crosswind conditions resulting in the gyroplane's rotors contacting the ground. Contributing factors were the gusty crosswind conditions.

Full Narrative

On August 2, 2002, approximately 1930 Pacific daylight time, a homebuilt Kaminski RAF 2000 gyroplane, N73GK, registered to and operated/flown by a private pilot sustained substantial damage during landing when the main rotor blade impacted the runway following a loss of control on landing at the Chehalem Airpark, Newberg, Oregon. The pilot incurred minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14 CFR 91, and originated from the accident airport approximately one hour earlier. In a telephone interview the pilot reported that he was landing on runway 25 at Chehalem Airpark and had decelerated to about five miles per hour. He had acquired wind information from McMinnville, Oregon, radio prior to his landing and was aware that the winds were out of the north at 12 knots. He also noted the windsock was oriented 90 degrees to the runway and swinging back and forth approximately 20 degrees. As the gyroplane was slowing, and about six feet above ground, a gust of wind rapidly rolled the aircraft left about its longitudinal axis and the rotor disk struck the runway surface. The aircraft then impacted terrain and came to rest damaging the rotor assembly and pylon (refer to graphic image I). The pilot reported that he "...should have been lower (4 f[ee]t)..." rather than 6 feet and recommended a longer final in order to have more time to set up for the crosswind conditions (refer to attached NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 PDT
Nearest AirportChehalem Airpark (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length2285 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKaminski RAF 2000
Tail NumberN73GK
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · EJ22 · Reciprocating · 130
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data